i think my iguana is sick

Question
hi Sara, my male iguana iggy, doesn't look well. i gave them both (male and female)to my dad, because i recently had another baby... well I've been checking on them. now the male looks very thin, my dad said he eats little and very slow... the female is still in great condition... iggy looks weak he is not moving much, I'm going to try some baby food and pedialite  water... and see how he reacts. i need help, he is about 4 years old... he was always healthy, took him to the vet when he was 3 for a bruised boned and calcium... i think I'm going to have to go to the vet for another visit... please  any suggestions will be greatly appreciated... thank you.  

Answer
Martin,
Sir, when iguanas stop eating and look very thin, this is a huge red flag. I think that based on his age, he is probably not as susceptible to any of the parasites/bacteria that generally cause sudden death in younger iguanas. By the time they are 3+ years or so, the number one contributor to illness is improper diet, temperature and/or lighting, or all three. Iguanas are VERY prone to metabolic bone disease (secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism)...aka calcium deficiency.

80% of reasons that bring iguanas into veterinarians are caused by issues created by something improper in their captive environment.

Here are my thoughts on the matter based on what you have described:

1) First off, I do think that taking him to the vet in the condition he is in is the best start. Also, using the pedialyte is good because he is probably dehydrated. When iguanas start looking visibly ill, they often don't live much longer without treatment and correction of their captive environment.

2) This is SUPER important: I would replace the lighting in the tank immediately. UVB is the single-most important light source for an iguana in captivity. Without UVB, iguanas cannot produce a vitamin that allows them to digest calcium. They rely on the UVB rays for their health. Most typical reptile basking bulbs DO NOT contain UVB, but rather UVA. UVA is good for heat and is said to improve psychological function in reptiles, but it cannot be used as a stand-alone UV source.
You need to specifically seek out a UVB bulb or go with one of the more expensive COMBO bulbs that contain both.

Suggestions: Exo Terra "Solar Glo" Sun Simulating Lamp in either 125w or 160w. It is formulated specifically to treat and prevent metabolic bone disease in reptiles. This is my bulb of choice. It is rather expensive, but it is absolutely crucial, in my opinion.

Another choice would be Zoo Med "Powersun" which is very similar to the bulb I described above but more expensive.

Finally, you could have 2 separate bulbs, a UVA basking lamp and a UVB bulb. You would probably want to select a 5.0 strength.

Bulbs are supposed to be replaced every 6 months or they become ineffective, even if they still work.

It sounds to me like this iguana has had calcium issues in the past and this is probably the same condition presenting itself again. Calcium injections are a common treatment from vets, but like I said, it doesn't matter how much calcium you give an iguana if it does not have the UVB to stimulate the absorption.

YOU NEED TO ADDRESS LIGHTING IMMEDIATELY.

As far as your female, she is probably suffering from calcium deficiency as well, but it may not be as advanced as it is in the male. Iguanas can often look healthy because Metabolic Bone Disease is gradual and it's effects are mostly masked until it reaches advanced stages.

In the most advanced stages of MBD, iguanas can become disfigured and even paralyzed as the body takes calcium from the bones to stay alive and leaves the bones misshapen and brittle.

3) DIET DIET DIET DIET!
This is so SUPER important to because you need a calcium-rich diet to go with that UVB rays.
Good Foods: COLLARD GREENS, MUSTARD GREENS, ORANGE SQUASH, AVACADO, TURNIP GREENS, DANDELION GREENS, ESCAROLE, GREEN BEANS, ALFALFA, SWEET PEAS, PARSNIPS and 10-15% FRUITS SUCH AS BANANA, MANGO, PAPAYA, ETC. Mist the food with water for hydration.

BAD FOODS! NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING: Lettuces (even romaine), Broccoli, Animal protein of any sort (meats, cheeses), Spinach, Excessive amounts of Kale, carrots, cauliflower or excessive amounts of commercialized iguana pellets (for they tend to be over-fortified and hard on the kidneys).

4) Finally, you need to be maintaining a temperature gradient in your tank with a warm side of 95 degrees or so and a cooler side of 80-85 degrees. Provide a water basin big enough for the iguana to comfortably sit in.

- The temperatures are also important for digestion because iguanas need roughly 87 degrees internal body temperature to digest properly.
- The UV lights need to be on 10-12 hours every day.


PLEASE TAKE MY SUGGESTIONS. I have cared for and rehabilitated dozens of calcium-deficient iguanas and if you follow these guidelines, you generally cannot go wrong.

Please let me know of any more questions/concerns:

Sincerely,

Sara J Gwerder
President
Raptor Rescue Iguana Sanctuary
Shreveport, LA